Residents warn of road chaos after new homes

Wood Burcote residents are unhappy about a 200 homes plan.Spokesman Mike Suter on the left.'120724M-B009

Published:13:58Wednesday 25 July 2012

RESIDENTS of Wood Burcote are predicting traffic gridlock for the whole of Towcester if plans for 200 homes are approved.

On Monday evening members of Towcester Town Council made their official observations on an outline planning application on the land owned by Timothy Jackson-Stopps who wants to build 200 low density, high quality homes.

The plans included the retention of farm houses on the land and a linear park which will be open to the public.

Steve Wiles and Mike Suter spoke on behalf of the residents group during the meeting.

Mr Wiles said the plans will impact all residents of Wood Burcote, who feel they should be an official consultee.

Mr Wiles also said the Wood Burcote Court should be considered in conjunction with the Persimmon Bloor proposals. But the residents main fear is the traffic genertated by the proposals, especially since the Highways Agency have said they would not approve the plan based on access via Bessy’s Lane.

Without traffic being able to use Bessy’s Lane it would be forced to use the already congested Veron Road junction, travel along Highfields and Springfields, or along the single track Wood Burcote Lane.

Quoting developer’s figures Mr Wiles said the development would increase traffic in the lane by 20 per cent and that at it’s narrowest point it is only 3.85m wide and just wide enough for two Fiat 500 cars to pass each other without touching

Mr Suter said: “We regularly get van drivers who simply mount the pavement when they see a car come around a blind conrner.”

Rebecca Breese, SNC’s member for planning said residents views would be considered in officers recommendations, and that the HA believe Towcester roads can handle extra traffic.